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Interview + Giveaway: Ultraviolet Catastrophe by Jamie Grey

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to have Jamie Grey, author of Ultraviolet Catastrophe (September 24, 2013) here for an interview today! Here’s the official Goodreads excerpt for the book:

Quantum Electrodynamics. String Theory. Schrödinger’s cat. For sixteen-year-old Lexie Kepler, they’re just confusing terms in her science textbooks, until she finds out that her parents have been drugging her to suppress her outrageous IQ. Now Branston Academy, a school run by the world’s most powerful scientists, has tracked her down and is dying for her to attend – as a research subject.

She takes refuge at Quantum Technologies, a secret scientific community where her father works as a top-notch scientist, and begins her new life as girl genius at Quantum High. But the assignments at her new school make the Manhattan Project look like preschool – and Lexie barely survived freshman algebra.

Her first big assignment – creating an Einstein-Rosen bridge – is also her first chance to prove she can hold her own with the rest of QT’s prodigies. But while working with the infuriatingly hot Asher Rosen, QT’s teen wonder, Lexie uncovers a mistake in their master equation. Instead of a wormhole, the machine they’re building would produce deadly ultraviolet rays that could destroy the world. Now Lexie and Asher have to use their combined brainpower to uncover the truth behind the device. Before everyone at Quantum Technologies is caught in the ultraviolet catastrophe.

Question: The science and technology in Ultraviolet Catastrophe are so real, authentic and easy to understand. How much research went into writing it?Answer: A ton! I knew nothing about physics before I started writing it, so I made use of the online classes out there from MIT and Harvard, as well as a LOT of YouTube videos of physics lectures. And a lot of reading on theories and scientists. I’m still not sure I understand it all, but it was really interesting!

Question: Were you into science and technology when you were in school? And to this day?Answer: For the longest time I wanted to be a biologist, but eventually decided I was more into writing and the arts, so I switched majors. But I’ve always been interested in science – My dad was a science teacher and helped instill my interest in the field when I was little. Today I’m just a big technology geek. I love it all!

Question: What scene do you most regret having to cut?Answer: The gala that occurs halfway through the book was originally a Halloween party and everyone got to dress up in costumes. Asher (the love interest) came as Captain Mal from Firefly. I was so sad to cut that scene – it was a lot of fun!

Question: On the flip side, what was your favorite scene that got added during edits?Answer: The epilogue. I wanted one last scene with Lexie and Asher to show that everything was going to be all right for them. I won’t give too much away, but I do love kissing scenes :)

Question: I love your characters, so much! Which character was your favorite to write?Answer: Aww. Thank you so much! I of course loved writing Lexie. We’re not a lot alike, other than some of the geekiness we share, but it was fun to write someone super smart, confident, and not afraid to take on the world. Wish I was that brave!

Question: And on the flip side, which character was the hardest (or least favorite) to write?Answer: I think Dr. Kepler, Lexie’s dad, was difficult, only because I needed to walk a fine line between good guy and bad guy. Lexie has one view of her dad at first, but their relationship develops over the course of the book and I wanted to make it realistic. Relationships with parents can be full of conflict, but this was even worse than normal!

Question: Ultraviolet Catastrophe is so unique from a lot of the books in the YA market today. The love triangle isn’t a tradition love triangle, and Lexie and Asher don’t fall in love at first sight. Did you set out to write a unique story, or did it just work out that way?Answer: I think it was a little bit of both. I didn’t want to follow the same structure of a lot of YA books with triangles and insta love, but I didn’t consciously draft it with those specifics in mind either. I just wanted to see where the story took me and how many crazy things I could put these people through.

Question: What books would you recommend to a reader who loved yours, and wants to read something similar?Answer: I loved the Adoration of Jenna Fox for the science and futuristic feel to it. I’ve heard great things about Debra Driza’s Mila 2.0 and False Memory by Dan Krokos. They both have fun scientific-type plotlines.

Question: What are three must-have items when you sit down to write?Answer: Fresh cup of tea, a bowl of M&Ms, and a fuzzy blanket. I can’t write when I’m cold!

Question: Biggest writing quirk?Answer: I have to have the perfect opening line before I can write the rest of the story. I usually spend a few days thinking about it before I even start typing. That’s not to say it doesn’t end up changing eventually, but it seems like having it is some kind of switch that pulls me into the story.

Question: Can we expect more books set in the Ultraviolet Catastrophe universe?Answer: To be honest, I’m still trying to decide. I don’t currently have plans for one, but if there’s a great response when Ultraviolet Catastrophe comes out, I’d definitely consider it!

Question: Are you working on anything new?Answer: I am! I just finished writing a New Adult Space Opera with thieves and more crazy science, and lots of romance! I can’t wait to share it with you guys!

And now for the awesome giveaway, courtesy of Jamie! We have ONE finished copy of Ultraviolet Catastrophe up for grabs!

-Giveaway is US/Canada only

-Winner has 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond, a new winner will be selected.

-You must be 13 or older to enter OR have your parents’ permission.

-I am not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

-I reserve the right to change any rules as I see fit for each individual giveaway

*The above giveaway rules were borrowed and modified from Jessica @ Just a Book Lover.

With that being said, I wish you luck! May the odds be ever in your favor!